Nearly 90 trees decorated by businesses, nonprofit organizations, communities and government offices fill our state’s capitol building for the 36th annual Christmas at the Capitol. This year’s theme is”A Monumental Christmas.” Bob Grandpre snapped these photos last weekend as crews prepared. The display is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, November 23 – December 26. A kickoff event is planned for November 22 with music starting at 6:30 p.m. and Grand Lighting Ceremony at 7:00 p.m.
Our November/December issue includes a story on the clever characters in Springfield. The Missouri River town has been through more highs and lows than most South Dakota communities, but the overall effect has not squelched the town’s spirit or creativity. South Dakota Magazine sent intern Chloe Kenzy, editor-at-large Bernie Hunhoff and his grandson, Steven, to visit the folks who help give Springfield its unique personality. Here are some of Hunhoff’s photos that didn’t make the magazine.
Laura Ingalls Wilder fans from across the globe journey to stay at Prairie House Manor in De Smet. Our November/December issue features a story on the bed and breakfast that is now for sale. Katie Hunhoff took several photos during her visit. Here are a few that didn’t make the magazine.
Seth Bullock built Friendship Tower on Mount Roosevelt for his close friend Theodore Roosevelt. Bullock chose the location north of Deadwood for its overlook of the plains beyond Belle Fourche and into North Dakota where Roosevelt owned a ranch. A half-mile hiking path leads to the castle-like memorial. John Mitchell visited recently to photograph fall color.
Our September/October issue features an article on seven sporting events every South Dakotan should experience. We gathered several photos of impressive athletes, spirited spectators and everything in between. Here are some that didn’t make the magazine.
Thousands gathered to watch the 51st annual Buffalo Roundup last weekend at Custer State Park. Employees and volunteers corralled about 1,200 bison for branding, vaccination and pregnancy checks. Between 200 and 500 will be auctioned off on November 19 to help manage the herd size and generate money for park operations. Photos by Joel Schwader.
Our September/October issue includes a story on Vermillion’s downtown restaurants. The college town’s hungry citizens have historically enjoyed little culinary variety. There have always been burger joints, and University of South Dakota students thrive on the chicken wings from Leo’s. But the scene began to change a decade ago, and Vermillion is now home to some of South Dakota’s most popular locally-owned restaurants. Bernie Hunhoff’s photos accompanied the story of Vermillion’s restaurant renaissance. Here are a few that didn’t make the magazine.
Spearfish Canyon is a favorite fall foliage destination for South Dakotans and out of state visitors. Jerry Boyer, who has tracked the progression of fall colors in Spearfish Canyon for over 20 seasons, says the peak viewing time should be today and Tuesday.
“I do not remember a fall so beautiful. The yellows and golds are so vivid and the reds, oranges and purples so brilliantly plentiful,” Boyer says. “It’s amazing that primarily only four leafy tree-types can create such awesome splendor and excitement. The colorful trees are highlighted by the sharp contrast of the dark emerald-green pine and spruce evergreens.” But Boyer warns to beware of the alluring red leaves near the ground — they are poison ivy.
John Mitchell visited the canyon this past weekend. Here are some of his photos.
Bernie Hunhoff took a 212-mile trip from the Nebraska border to the North Dakota border on dirt and gravel roads. Read the complete report in our Sept/Oct 2016 issue. Here are a few photographs that you won’t find in the magazine.
South Dakotans saluted and welcomed Dale Lamphere’s Dignity sculpture on a Missouri River bluff above Chamberlain on Saturday. Photos by Bernie Hunhoff.
